Many Pasco County residents are refusing to leave their homes during a mandatory evacuation following Hurricane Hermine.
Two communities remain under mandatory evacuation, county officials are recommending evacuation for three more areas.
For those who are hunkering down during serious flooding, the Emergency Management team is dispatched more than 350 workers and volunteers to some of the hardest hit areas.
"You can see where the water line was originally down here on the fence, it's gone down about a foot,” said Ryan Pinckley during a tour of Bass Lake.
ABC Action News walked with Pinckley and a human needs team going door to door Monday to make sure needs are met.
The small county crew checked to see if residents have power, food and handed out bottles of water.
"Everyone in this area seems to be ok,” said Pinckley of Bass Lake residents.
Flood waters continue to creep closer and closer to Aaron Dove's house in Bass Lake.
While conditions are not bad enough for him to pack up and leave with his two children, Dove is thankful his neighborhood hasn't been forgotten by the county.
"At least if anybody needs help, they're there to help,” said Dove. “If they need water, sandbags, that's what I like to see. Someone probably needs help around here."
Even though Emergency Management officials have urged people living near Bass Lake to evacuate, many have ignored the warnings and are staying put.
"Their whole livelihood is in here,” said Pinckley. “They feel safer being where they're at and taking care of it, than leaving, which at times can be an obstacle because they do need to leave but their hearts in the right place."
According to Pasco County, approximately 2,480 residents are possibly affected in the evacuation areas. But only 17 people are staying in the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson, which can house up to 1,000 people in need.
From Pasco County Office of Emergency Management:
Pasco County Government has a 1,000 bed shelter available for citizens who need help.
The Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter is located at 11611 Denton Avenue in Hudson. Citizens can receive showers, sleeping quarters and 3 meals a day.
Citizens can self-evacuate directly to the shelter or call 727-847-2411 (MON-FRI 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and we will provide transportation for you. Emergencies call 911.
Two areas are under mandatory evacuations:
- Blue Heron Mobile Home Park, 6615 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
- Elfers Parkway Area along the Anclote River
Evacuation is recommended in the following areas, affecting 1,733 homes:
- Bass Lake Area, New Port Richey
- Lake Worrell, New Port Richey
-
Magnolia Valley Area, New Port Richey
